Are Koolit® Refrigerants non-toxic?

Are Koolit Refrigerants reusable?

Koolit bottles are reusable if there is no sign of damage. Koolit gel packs and Koolit bricks may be reused under certain conditions. For more information, an internal quality program should be implemented to monitor physical integrity.

Are Koolit Gel Packs recyclable?

Yes, Koolit gel packs contain an environmentally safe water soluble starch in a plastic pouch. To recycle, simply cut open a thawed gel pak and dispose of its liquid content in the normal waste stream. The pouch may be recycled in centers that accept plastic.

If a refrigerant is punctured, crushed, ripped, or torn, what is the proper disposal?

Koolit Refrigerants should be disposed of in accordance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations. In most cases, this means allowing the contents to enter any standard waste water stream.

Are there special temperature requirements when shipping insulin? Are Cold Chain refrigerants necessary?

Insulin must be transported with care since insulin is susceptible to excessive heat and freezing. Some types of insulin must remain below 30°C (86°F). In this case, refrigerants might not be necessary, but a temperature indicator should be used to confirm that the proper temperature range is maintained.

Is there a correlation between the weight of the payload and recommended number of Koolit Refrigerants?

Yes, in most cases we suggest a product-to-refrigerant weight ratio of one-to-one (1:1) to one-to-two (1:2). For example, for two pounds of product, use two to four pounds of refrigerants. Smaller payloads, however, may require more refrigerants than the ratio would dictate.

How long do Koolit Refrigerants stay cool/cold?

Depending on the temperature of the environment in which refrigerants are used, gel paks, foam bricks, and gel bottles can stay cold for as long as 12 to 24 hours (or longer if placed in an insulated container). Koolit foam bricks surpass the gel paks and gel bottles for cooling longevity.

Do Koolit Refrigerants require preconditioning?

Yes, prior to use, refrigerants for maintaining cool or frozen temperatures must be brought to the appropriate temperature in either a freezer or refrigerator. It takes 12 to 24 hours to precondition individual refrigerants. Preconditioning a full case takes 24 to 48 hours. It takes up to three weeks to condition multiple pallets to allow for thorough freezing. For ambient shipments, refrigerants can be preconditioned by placing them in warm water.

What is “phase change”?

What is a eutectic mixture and eutectic point?

A eutectic mixture is a mixture of two or more substances with a melting point lower than that of individual substances. A eutectic point is the temperature that is maintained as the mixture transforms from solid to liquid (or visa versa). The Koolit Gel Pak 500-ST Series contain a suppressed temperature gel (carboxymethylcellulose) that is a eutectic mixture. The ST Series gels have a eutectic point of -23°C (-10°F). All other Koolit Gel Paks have a freezing point of 0°C (32°F), and a eutectic point of -0.4°C (-31.3°F).

Are there special temperature requirements when shipping insulin? Are Cold Chain refrigerants necessary?

Insulin must be transported with care since insulin is susceptible to excessive heat and freezing. Some types of insulin must remain below 30°C (86°F). In this case, refrigerants might not be necessary, but a temperature indicator should be used to confirm that the proper temperature range is maintained.

When should dry ice be used as a refrigerant, and tell me more about the alternative, the Koolit Gel Pak 500-ST Series?

Dry ice is often used for transporting frozen shipments since it offers extended cooling for the payload. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, maintains a -78°C (-95°F) temperature. Molded containers are ideal for use with dry ice.

Dry ice sublimates or changes directly from solid to gas, without a liquid phase. The rate of sublimation must be taken into account when designing a container system since it gets smaller in size. Dry ice sublimates at a rate of three to eight pounds per day, depending on the thermal properties of the container and external temperature profile. One pound of dry ice will sublimate into 8.3 cu. ft. of carbon dioxide gas. Slabs of dry ice last longer than pelletized dry ice, which sublimates faster. Be sure that your product will remain fully secure within the container, especially through time after the dry ice shrinks in size. Make sure to surround your product (top, bottom, sides) to ensure uniform freezing.

The Koolit 500-ST Series gel packs can be used as a dry ice substitute. They are available in a variety of weights/sizes, and are best for the shipment of products that must maintain below freezing temperatures.